Scratchboard Drawings inspired by photos

When I'm not making art or fixing houses, I collect and sell vintage paper, photos and collectibles. What can't be sold because of damage I use in artworks, mostly assemblages. But, I also occasionally keep some items just for my enjoyment. These two scratch boards, 'Red Shoes' and 'The Final Campaign' were based on images from vintage snapshots (both from circa 1910-20) that I've held on to because I like the way they look. I just love the little boy holding the puppy...and of course I added the birds and so forth from my head. 'The Final Campaign' is from an shot that really grabs me. This woman with her coat is photographed several times in the album I have. I have a feeling the coat, and the woman really was something in the day. I don't know who she was or where this was. Doesn't really matter, although I do like keeping her 'alive' by using her likeness. Anyhow, this piece was for a group show at Wally Workman Gallery with the theme being 'The Boat Show'. Thought I'd put it out there that I can scratch out more than just Monkeys and Dogs!! Both pieces are available at the gallery. I'm adding the boy & puppy photo so you can see where I started from. Don't have a digital copy of the woman on the computer right now. Will add later

I've been in the studio lately making more of the 5X7 house collages. I've got about 20 of them now. It's almost an obsession...but in a good way. It keeps me out of trouble and I don't have to think about much I just make them. Plus I have an incredible amount of vintage paper that needs using! I can make usually about 4 at a time. My goal is to make 100 of them. Every one is different but the same idea. The same shape over and over and yet none are exactly the same. So many variables. Once I get that done I'll hang them in a show, call it 100/Houses of Belonging and charge $100.00 each for them. More about this later. I need to take some photos of the latest and will post soon.

The 5X7 scratch drawings are selling like crazy. I guess the price point of $100.00 is right for artwork to sell in this economy. I'm happy about that.